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Radiation sickness
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Radiation sickness occurs from exposure to a
large amount of radiation. The exposure may be in a
series of doses spread over time (chronic) or in a
single large dose (acute). Radiation exposure may be
accidental or intentional.
The two main types of radiation are penetrating
(ionizing) and nonpenetrating (nonionizing).
Penetrating radiation affects you by entering your
body and depositing radioactive energy into your
tissues, which then can cause cell damage or cell
death. Nonpenetrating radiation doesn't pass through
your skin. A large dose of penetrating radiation may
kill bone marrow cells, while a large dose of
nonpenetrating radiation may burn your skin.
Radiation is a cancer-causing agent (carcinogen).
Exposure to radiation can increase your risk of
cancer. Large doses of radiation can cause other
adverse health effects, including
cataracts and
mental retardation in the children of mothers
exposed during pregnancy.
Risk factors
You can be exposed
to radiation anywhere radioactive materials are used, such as in nuclear
power plants, medical centers, research labs or mines where radioactive
materials are removed. The amount of radiation from these sources is
small and doesn't cause radiation sickness. However, the detonation of a
nuclear weapon or radiological device such as a dirty bomb may release
large amounts of radiation.
When to seek medical advice
If you or someone
you know has been exposed to a large dose of radiation, seek emergency
medical treatment. Evacuate the area of exposure. If you think you have
radioactive material on your body, remove all exposed clothing and wash
thoroughly with soap and water. Dry and wrap the affected areas with a
towel or blanket until emergency medical assistance arrives.
Causes
Exposure
to large doses of penetrating (ionizing) radiation causes radiation
sickness. The condition can be chronic or acute:
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Chronic
radiation sickness.
Chronic radiation sickness may take several days or weeks to
develop. The cause can be radioactive fallout from a nuclear
explosion or an industrial accident. Radiation treatments for cancer
also can cause temporary chronic radiation sickness.
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Acute
radiation sickness.
Acute radiation sickness can develop quickly. A person with acute
radiation sickness usually has been exposed to large amounts of
radiation over a brief period of time, such as in the case of an
industrial accident or a nuclear bomb explosion.
Exposure
to radioactivity occurs through three main routes. The route by which
you come in contact with radioactivity is important because each pathway
results in radiation exposure to different parts of your body. Routes of
exposure include:
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Inhalation.
Radiation exposure by inhalation occurs when you breathe radioactive
material into your lungs. Radioactive particles can lodge in your
lungs and remain there for an extended time. As long as these
particles remain and continue to decay in your lungs, radiation
exposure continues. Although inhaled radioactivity is not likely to
result in radiation sickness, tissue damage from inhaled
radioactivity eventually can lead to a higher risk of cancer or
other diseases. The main sources of inhaled radiation include radon
gas and radioactively contaminated dust or smoke.
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Ingestion.
Exposure to radiation by way of ingestion occurs when you swallow
radioactive material. This pathway of exposure releases radioactive
energy directly to your tissues, causing cell damage. While ingested
radioactivity isn't likely to result in radiation sickness, tissue
damage from ingested radioactivity eventually can lead to a higher
risk of cancer. Sources of ingested radiation include contaminated
drinking water, plants, fish and meat. Radiation doses from these
sources usually are extremely small.
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Direct
(external) exposure.
This route of exposure occurs from a source beaming out and striking
your body. Examples of direct exposure include radiation treatments
for cancer and radiation from an industrial accident or nuclear
explosion.
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Types of
radiation vary in the ability to damage different kinds of body
tissues. These types include:
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Alpha
particles.
The least penetrating form of radiation, these can't penetrate the
outer layer of your skin, but may be a risk if you have open wounds.
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Beta
particles.
These can burn your skin and damage your eyes.
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Gamma rays.
The most penetrating kind of radiation, these can travel long
distances and penetrate through your body.
Radiation sickness
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